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(IAAC) Obj: satellite - Inst: 16" Dob F4.5
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Observation Poster: Paul Money <paul_ohstbucks@msn.com>
Observer: Paul Money
Your skills: Intermediate (some years)
Date/time of observation: 10-02-03 10PM CST
Location of site: Kansas City, MO (Lat , Elev )
Site classification: Suburban
Sky darkness: 4.0 <Limiting magnitude>
Seeing: 7 <1-10 Seeing Scale (10 best)>
Moon presence: Minor - crescent or far from object
Instrument: 16" Dob F4.5
Magnification: 310x, 500x
Filter(s): None
Object(s): satellite
Category: Other.
Class:
Constellation: Aqr
Data: mag size
Position: RA : DEC :
Description:
OK, I know this isnt a deep sky observation, but I thought I would share it anyway. The viewing conditions tonight were great. The skies were clear and
steady. I spent a litte time on Mars and it still looks big and
bright. The detail was great. I popped over to Uranus and was viewing
at 310x and I happened accross a stationary satellite. Or rather,
Uranus passed behind it. At first I just thought it was moving
really slow as it moved through the high power FOV when I noticed
that Uranus and the field was moving and the satellite was
stationary. I'm no magnitude expert, but I would guess that it was
roughly 12-13 magnitude and was blinking white light. I thought maybe
scattered light was causing it, but after moving it around the field
and changing eyepieces, it was definitely NOT scattered light. I
jacked the magnification up to 500x, and it still looked the same. I
even went inside the house and took a 5 minute break, and sure
enough, the Dob still had it in the FOV when I went back outside.
I was wondering what different types of satellites are stationary? I
know it wasnt direct TV, since my dish was pointing elsewhere. I
thought maybe a weather satellite? Do weather satellites blink white
light? Anyway, it was a fun observation for me since I have never
seen a stationary satellite before. Are there any satellite experts
out there that can give me some insight?
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